Walz names Theodora Gaitas as chief justice of Minnesota Supreme Court

Allison Kite, Star Tribune on May 19, 2026

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Gov. Tim Walz appointed Theodora Gaitas as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday and named Reynaldo Aligada Jr. as the court’s newest associate justice.

Gaitas, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, is in her first term as an associate justice of the court after Walz appointed her in 2024. She previously served as District Court judge and on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

“She brings a rare breadth of experience, having served at every level of our state’s judiciary,” Walz said in a news release. He said she’ll be the first public defender to serve as chief justice. “That perspective will be invaluable, guiding her leadership as she takes on this profound responsibility to serve all Minnesotans.”

Gaitas said in the release that she is “committed to a judiciary that all Minnesotans can access, trust and rely on.”

“These commitments will guide every decision I make as chief justice,” she said.

The court’s current chief justice, Natalie Hudson, is the first person of color to lead the state’s high court and will retire this fall. Three associate justices of the seven-person court expressed interest in the chief position and were interviewed. Walz named four judges as finalists for the associate position.

Hudson said she and Gaitas were often adversaries as practicing attorneys and that she has been fortunate to work with Gaitas since her appointment to the Supreme Court.

“That history has revealed that she is principled, thoughtful, compassionate and has a keen legal mind,“ Hudson said. ”She also has a deep respect for the collegial, deliberative process that defines the Supreme Court.”

Walz also announced his pick for the court’s newest associate justice, appointing Aligada, a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law who is serving as a judge in Ramsey County District Court. Aligada previously worked in private practice and served as a federal public defender.

“He is someone who leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets, pairing a keen legal mind with genuine humility and compassion,” Walz said. “He will be a justice who truly sees and listens to the people who come before him, ensuring every voice is heard and respected.”

Aligada said he was grateful to Walz “for entrusting me with this great responsibility.”

“I recognize the impact the court’s decisions have on the lives of Minnesotans, and I will strive to do justice and protect the rule of law,” Aligada said.

The appointments are likely the last Walz will make to the state’s high court before leaving office in January.

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